Red Wolves - IU East

David Sanders has new respect for the folks who officiate Indiana University East's men's basketball games.

Sanders and two other Red Wolves donned a whistle on June 18 during an Area 9 Senior Games three-on-three basketball tournament at the Richmond Senior Community Center.

"The most fun part of the day was refereeing, making calls that weren't exactly good calls and them getting on our case a bit," said Sanders (Indianapolis, Ind./Beech Grove High School), who is preparing for his junior year in the IU East men's basketball program.

"I respect the referees way more now!"

Sanders, recent IU East graduate Noah Douglas (Indianapolis, Ind./St. Joseph's College) and incoming Red Wolves freshman Ian Enriquez (Lake Station, Ind./Lake Station Edison High School) shared officiating, scorekeeping and timekeeper duties during the morning-long event.

Three teams of players age 55 and up competed in a tournament as intense as any IU East contest.

Sanders had an up-close view when all six players on the floor dove onto the court for a loose ball - an all-out hustle play that finally ended with Sanders' jump ball call.

"There were some good games going on," Sanders said. "They had a couple of real good players who wouldn't miss."

The Area 9 Senior Games are a week-long series of activities for people ages 55 and up.

The Games are sponsored by Area 9 In-Home and Community Services Agency, a service of IU East.

The three Red Wolves were happy to lend a helping whistle.

"It gets your name and face out there," Sanders said. "People get to know you and you attract more fans."